Trail Run Project Logo

A great alternative to the big 3 of Granite, Mt. Si and Mailbox Peak


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

70%

Runnable

4,655' 1,419 m

High

1,562' 476 m

Low

3,198' 975 m

Up

105' 32 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

65%

Max Grade (33°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

McClellan Butte is a very prominent peak that can be seen from I-90 sticking out like a sharks fin above the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River. Although it may look tough to get to the top, the ascent is mostly hiking on a trail, with a final (and optional) summit push of hand-and-foot rock scrambling. - Overview by Josh Bukoskey, Outdoor Project

Need to Know

If you want to traverse the summit, its best to wait for dry conditions because these rocks get very slippery. Some parties might opt to carry a rope and belay up during wet or snowy weather.

Description

A longer, challenging run that you'll have all to yourself for the most part. First two-thirds is treed but opens up near the top with sweeping views of Rainier to the south for the last third.

The final half-mile of the trail circles the southwest side of the mountain ridge where you'll notice a large rocky summit block. Luckily, the summit block offers great handholds and plenty of places to put your feet to keep you feeling safe. This is some of the best climbing/scrambling you could hope for, though the fall exposure is significant.

Even if you don't want to do the scramble, you are still rewarded with awesome views near the top.

History & Background

This peak was named after George B. McClellan, a surveyor and Civil War General. He surveyed the Cascade Mountains in search of the best mountain pass to be used for a transcontinental railroad system.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ryan Boxy

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 5 votes

#4501

Overall
  3.8 from 5 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
80%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#268

in Washington

#4,501

Overall
4 Views Last Month
596 Since Apr 1, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
20%
0%
20%
60%
0%

Photos

Mt Stuart, in the distance
Dec 11, 2018 near Riverbend, WA
it was sunny at 2500' today.
Dec 11, 2018 near Riverbend, WA
More scramblers descending
Dec 11, 2018 near Riverbend, WA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.